The Prognostics Framework's run-time reasoner has been specifically designed for embedded applications and can be integrated into any system's processing environment.

Philosophy Behind Our Software Architecture

We believe that when it comes to health management, “one size does not fit all.”  The Prognostics Framework is structured as a server in a client-server software architecture. Its functions can be used in a building-block fashion to generate an application that fits the specific needs and operating environment of the system in which it is hosted.  

Each system has unique requirements associated with its operating environment, user interfaces, data acquisition, control flow, and intercommunication.  We have defined the Prognostics Framework interfaces and functions very carefully to fit into an overall operating environment, as opposed to regulating how interfaces, functions and controls are executed. The result is a client-server design and open architecture interfaces to external functions. This allows for great flexibility in various implementation scenarios, where different systems have different operating environments, requirements and characteristics that the health monitoring system must fit into. 

Prognostics Framework Software Architecture

A Prognostics Framework application consists of 1) a prognostic/diagnostic model, 2) the run-time reasoner, and 3) a client program that calls upon the services of the reasoner to perform assessments and display information to users.

Prognostic/Diagnostic Model

The system model is generated using the Prognostics Framework developer. It is a binary file that can be hosted on any operating environment.  It is highly compact and takes minimal storage.

Prognostics Framework Run-Time Reasoner

The Prognostics Framework's run-time reasoner is written as a library of functions and has a well-defined Application Program Interface (API). The Prognostics Framework library of functions is written in C code that can be compiled to any operating system, such as a Unix library, a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) or a  COM object. The reasoner is compiled as a single, stand-alone file and is fully self-contained (e.g., does not require any other program except for the client program). An ACSII configuration file can be used to set operating options.

Health Management System User Interface (Client Program)

The run-time reasoner provides services to any client program requesting its services. Client programs typically provide a graphical user interface to the reasoning and reporting services provided by the Prognostics Framework. Customers can use the API to develop their own custom applications, integrate the reasoning services into existing applications, or can use VSE's client program, called the Multiple-System Health Monitoring System. We will gladly make modifications to this client program to meet customer needs.

The Prognostics Framework Application Program Interface document is available upon request.

Prognostics Framework Development System

The collective set of tools, wizards and utilities used to develop and validate a system diagnostic/prognostic model is called the Prognostics Framework Development System. This is a single software package that resides on a MS-Windows platform.